Thursday, August 14, 2003 (53)DO YOU COMPREHEND WHAT I HAVE DONE? A question posed that Jesus might emphasize the importance of His action in washing their feet. It was a work of love. The cleansing which took place would be of uttermost blessing to His disciples. One cannot go through a spiritual encounter such as this without it having a terrific impact on their lives. It feels so good to be clean. John 13:12 Jesus pulled rank on them. You call me and give me respect as your Lord and master. Which of course, was fitting and proper. In this high status and position among them, He had washed their feet. He then spoke the lesson that is to be learned from and by His conduct. I, Jesus, have done it to you, ye also ought to wash one each others feet. Pretty explicit, is it not? The word ought according to Strong, may be translated to mean, to owe, figuratively, to be under obligation. Must, should, indebted and so on. John 13:13-14.
I HAVE SET AN EXAMPLE FOR YOU. A performance which is to be emulated by those who serve Him. If Christ Jesus is our mentor, certainly we will follow in His ways and practices. In most situations we would readily agree with a command given by Jesus. This certainly is as important as any other command. Jesus firmly spoke and said, ye should do as I have done to you. This statement stands out and sounds forth with such an urgency. If there is a blessing in its performance, and there is, then we are being robbed of its benefits. It should be followed, if from no other stand point, the fact that Jesus gave it as a duty to be performed by them. John 13:16 However much it may be misunderstood or misconstrued, Jesus spoke from a position of one being in authority over them. They were not greater than He, therefore they should comply to His wishes and command. John 13:16
THE WAY OF HAPPINESS. Mankind is constantly in the pursuit of happiness. Stop and meditate on the great abundance of things which we do, all with the purpose of finding happiness. Spiritual knowledge produces true everlasting joy and happiness. The blessing of the Lord is promised to those who come to a comprehension of this truth and practice it. John 13:17 The whole of the blessings of the Lord are directed toward those who explicitly do His will. Noah and his family were delivered from a catastrophe which had never before taken place, all because he obeyed the command of the Lord. Gen. 6:22 Moses, expressly and very meticulously did all exactly as he was commanded. Ex. 40:16 The way of blessing is for the man who performs the will of the Lord. He studies the perfect law of liberty. He continues his walk in the way of that law. He does not forget what he has heard of the Lord, but is a doer of the work, this is the man who shall be blessed in all that he does. James 1:25 The scriptures, when obeyed, establish a life of glory, power and blessing for those who will faithfully follow their teachings. The way of the Lord, is the right way. In as much as ye have done it unto these, ye have done it unto me.